“Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” is a 2020 American superhero film based on the DC Comics characters, particularly focusing on Harley Quinn. Directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson, the movie is a spinoff of Suicide Squad (2016) and follows the character Harley Quinn, who breaks away from her toxic relationship with the Joker. The film also serves as a unique narrative in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), offering a more comedic and colorful take on superhero storytelling.
Plot Summary
After breaking up with the Joker (Jared Leto), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is left to fend for herself in Gotham City. No longer protected by the Joker’s chaotic power, she becomes a target of every criminal in the city, including the powerful gangster Roman Sionis / Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), who seeks to eliminate Harley as she becomes entangled in a series of criminal activities.
When Harley accidentally causes Roman to lose a valuable diamond that is in the hands of Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), a young pickpocket, she becomes a wanted woman. In the process, she crosses paths with several other women in Gotham, including Dinah Lance / Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a singer with a secret crime-fighting identity; Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a disgruntled Gotham City detective; and Helena Bertinelli / Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a vigilante seeking revenge on the criminals who killed her family.
These women, initially with different motives, join forces to rescue Cassandra Cain from Roman Sionis and his gang, forming a chaotic and unlikely alliance known as the Birds of Prey. As they work together, the women find themselves fighting for justice and survival, all while discovering their own strengths and the power of female solidarity. Harley, although initially acting out of self-interest, learns to appreciate the value of teamwork and friendship as the group takes on the dangerous forces of Gotham.
Cast and Characters
- Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn: Robbie reprises her role from Suicide Squad, bringing her unique take on the chaotic, unpredictable, and comedic Harley Quinn. Freed from the Joker’s influence, Harley embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Her manic energy and colorful personality make her a standout in the film, and her evolution into a more independent and self-reliant character is central to the movie.
- Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis / Black Mask: Sionis is the main antagonist of the film, a sadistic and flamboyant gangster who rules Gotham with an iron fist. As Black Mask, he is a ruthless crime lord who seeks to gain control of the city, often using violence and intimidation. McGregor plays the character with a mix of charm and menace, making him both a threatening villain and an unpredictable presence.
- Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Dinah Lance / Black Canary: Dinah Lance is a singer and nightclub performer who secretly possesses the ability to unleash a sonic scream. Smollett-Bell brings depth to the character, balancing her quiet, reserved nature with moments of fierce action. Black Canary joins the Birds of Prey to fight for justice, despite her own troubled past.
- Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya: Montoya is a disgruntled and alcoholic detective in the Gotham City Police Department who has been overlooked and undervalued. Despite her being somewhat marginalized in the police force, she is determined to bring criminals like Roman Sionis to justice. Perez’s portrayal of Montoya brings strength and vulnerability to the character.
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli / Huntress: Bertinelli is a vigilante seeking revenge on those who killed her family. Known as the Huntress, she is a skilled fighter with a personal vendetta against the criminal underworld. Winstead’s portrayal of Huntress brings both humor and intensity to the character, adding an interesting dynamic to the film.
- Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain: Cassandra is a young street thief who inadvertently becomes involved in the conflict between Harley Quinn, Roman Sionis, and the Birds of Prey. Her character plays a central role in the plot as the person everyone is trying to protect or capture.
Themes and Tone
Birds of Prey is known for its vibrant, energetic tone, which is both darkly comedic and action-packed. The film focuses on themes of empowerment, freedom, and female solidarity. Harley Quinn’s journey of self-liberation is a key part of the narrative, as she learns to break free from toxic relationships and embrace her own identity and power.
The film also explores the idea of finding strength in unexpected alliances. Despite their very different personalities and motivations, the women come together to form the Birds of Prey, showcasing the power of teamwork, trust, and friendship. Each of the female characters undergoes a form of self-discovery, allowing them to rise above their personal struggles and contribute to the group’s success.
The action scenes are fast-paced and stylized, with Harley Quinn’s chaotic and unpredictable nature driving many of the film’s memorable moments. The film features impressive fight choreography, often blended with comedic elements, which adds to its unique appeal. The use of bright colors and graphic novel-like visuals enhances the film’s comic-book aesthetic.
Reception
Upon release, Birds of Prey received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s tone, direction, and performances, particularly that of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. Many also appreciated the film’s focus on female characters and its more irreverent, unconventional approach compared to traditional superhero films. The movie’s humor, energy, and visual style stood out, setting it apart from other DCEU films.
However, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $201 million worldwide against a production budget of $84 million, which some attributed to its more niche appeal compared to other superhero films. Despite this, it has gained a cult following, particularly for its distinct style and emphasis on female-driven storytelling.
Critics found the ensemble cast to be one of the movie’s strongest points, with each actress bringing depth and personality to their respective roles. Robbie’s performance as Harley Quinn was especially lauded for being both humorous and vulnerable, showcasing the character’s complexity. The film was also praised for its unconventional storytelling and its bold deviation from the typical superhero formula.
Legacy and Impact
Birds of Prey is notable for being one of the first major superhero films to center around a female ensemble, making it an important film in terms of representation and diversity in the genre. It also represents a shift in how DC films approach their characters and narratives, with a more playful and unconventional tone compared to previous DCEU entries.
While the film’s box office performance was considered a disappointment, its positive reception by critics and its vibrant, genre-bending take on the superhero film continue to make it a standout in the DCEU. The film’s success in home viewing, digital rentals, and streaming services has also helped it maintain a lasting presence.
In conclusion, Birds of Prey is a bold and entertaining film that mixes action, comedy, and a unique visual style to tell the story of Harley Quinn’s post-Joker life and her unexpected alliance with a group of female heroes. Its success in carving out a distinct identity for itself within the superhero genre and its celebration of female empowerment have made it a beloved film among audiences who appreciate its irreverence and fresh take on the genre
